Image provided by: Morrow County Museum; Heppner, OR
About Heppner gazette-times. (Heppner, Or.) 1925-current | View Entire Issue (April 4, 2007)
FOUR - Heppner Gazette-Times, Heppner, Oregon Wednesday, April 4,2007 He is Risen! (Editor's note: The following inspirational Easter messages were contributed by local ministers.) Christian Life Center 40 days that shook the world Matt. 28:1-9 “After the Sabbath, at dawn on the first day of the week, Mary Magdalene and the other Mary went to look at the tomb. There was a violent earthquake, for an angel of the Lord came down from heaven and, going to the tomb, rolled back the stone and sat on it. His appearance was like lightning, and his clothes were white as snow. The guards were so afraid of him that they shook and became like dead men. The angel said to the women, ‘Do not be afraid, for I know that you are looking for Jesus, who was crucified. He is not here; he has risen, just as he said. Come and see the place where he lay. Then go quickly and tell his disciples, “He has risen from the dead and is going ahead of you into Galilee. There you will see him.” Now 1 have told you.’ So the women hurried away from the tomb, afraid yet filled w ith joy. ‘Greetings,’ He said. They came to Him, clasped His feet and worshiped Him.” Acts 1:3 “After His suffering. He showed himself to these men and gave many convincing proofs that He was alive. He appeared to them over a period of forty days and spoke about the kingdom of G od.” All four Gospel writers included the Easter story. The names of those who saw Christ after the resurrection are carefully recorded. The historical evidence for the resurrection is stronger than that of any other miracle mentioned in Scripture. The Apostle Paul also gave the importance of this event in I Corinthians 15:14: "And if Christ has not been raised, our preaching is useless and so is your faith.” The most important event to Christianity is the resurrection. Take away this fact and it is just another organization trying to do good to mankind. The resurrection is what gives the Christian faith its dynamic. The symbol of the church is really the empty tomb, not the cross. Jesus did not return to the Father right away after the resurrection, but remained for 40 days to give evidence to His resurrection. The world would never again be the same because of those magnificent post-resurrection appearances. The first thing He did was show Himself to His followers. He appeared to Mary Magdalene in the garden. He appeared to the women returning from the tomb. Later that same day. He came to Peter. Luke tells us of Christ’s dramatic appearing to the two disciples on the road to Emmaus. The Lord spoke to more than 500 believers on a mountain in northern Galilee. W hat’s even greater is the fact that He is still appearing to men and women today. We can meet Him whenever we open up our hearts to Him and let Him come in and take up actual residence in our lives. He will change our whole way of life. Paul says in Colossians 1:27, “Christ in you, the hope of glory.” The disciples encountered the resurrected Christ during those 40 days. What about you? Have you encountered Him during your life? Those 40 days that shook the world still live on in the lives of believers today. Jesus Christ knocks at the door of your heart, offering you eternal life. What will you do with the resurrected Christ today? Will you let him in? Pastor Tim Van Cleave Church of the Nazarene Do not let your hearts he troubled and do not he afraid This is Holy Week. Easter Sunday is coming. Don’t hurry into Easter. R ather rem em ber, the beauty of resurrection Sunday is made brighter when you take the walk through the many dark places that occurred during Holy Week. First, the garden where our Lord prayed His agonizing prayer. Second, then follow Him into the court of injustice. Third, then labor with Him up the hill called Golgotha. Fourth, feel His pain when nailed, blow-by-blow, as He was laid on the cross. Fifth, experience His em otions o f rejection, suffering alone on the cross. His disciples and friends abandoned Him. He felt that God His Father had forsaken Him. Sixth, watch as His lifeless body is removed and carried away. Also this week be reminded that He took your place. He took the punishment of your sin. Pray as you journey. Pray for yourself. Pray for lost people. Pray for your church. Pray for a glorious day of resurrection celebration. Invite Christ to come to your place of worship and raise some people dead in sin to new life. I am impressed when someone says, “ I know God. that’s why I follow Him by faith.” However, I’m not impressed when I hear someone say, “I don’t need to go to church on Sunday,” or “Oh, I believe in God.” Why Am I not impressed by faithless believers? James 2:19 says it fully well. You believe that there is one God. Good! Even the demons believe that-and shudder. Rejoice in Christ’s new resurrected life. Live for Him, today, tomorrow and for eternity. You need not be afraid and shudder and tremble. Jesus said. Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid. John 14:27 The Rev. Duane Jones St. Patrick Catholic Church Resurrection faith The Acts of the Apostles, the Gospels, and St. Paul refer to apparitions of Jesus after he died on Calvary. These included apparitions to Mary Magdalen, the Apostles, the two disciples on the road to Emmaus. It would seem that all of these people had a special responsibility to proclaim the kingdom of God. Some of them dared to go outside on that first Easter morning and venture to the tomb. The holy women went. They had linen, oil, and perfume. They were going to assure His proper burial. John and Peter made their way there. John being much younger, got there quicker. Yet, he waited and let Peter enter first. All of them must have been surprised. Obviously, the account of the resurrection is about Jesus. Yet an interesting sidelight is about the “others". They came to the tomb. They saw Him in the Upper Room. They witnessed Him by the lake. Something happened to them, and they believed. Were the apparitions granted to them because they believed? Or to strengthen them for the difficulties and persecutions ahead? We do not know. So, Easter is about belief. It is about belief in the resurrection of Jesus. It is about the belief that inspired the apostles to preach his teachings at the risk and the sacrifice of their very lives. They must have come to realize that light overcomes darkness, good overcomes evil, and life overcomes death. We who have not seen Him, are nonetheless, asked to put our faith in Him. So, it is appropriate that we recall His words to St. Thomas. As you will remember, Thomas had doubted. Thomas had stated, “I will never believe it without probing the nail prints in his hands, without putting my finger in the nail marks, and my hand into his side, I will not believe.” Very emphatic words. When the Lord appeared to him. He said: “Thomas take your finger and examine my hands. Put your hand into my side. Do not persist in your unbelief, but believe.” Then Thomas had responded: “My Lord, and my God.” Jesus then said to him: “You became a believer because you saw me. Blest are they who have not seen and have believed.” May these words of Jesus strengthen each of us on our spiritual journey. Fr. Gerry Condon Holy Week church schedules lone Community Church St. Patrick's and St. Williams Catholic Churches The Maundy Thurs day Candlelight Communion E v ery o n e is w e l will be held April 5 at 7 p.m. come to join the members of Thirteen candles will light St. Patrick’s Parish and St. the sanctuary, one for Jesus, William’s Parish for the fol and 12 for the disciples gath lowing Holy Week events. ered for the last supper. One St. Patrick’s sched at a time, a candle will be ule: Holy Thursday, April 5: snuffed as those in atten 7 p.m.. Mass of the Last dance hear how that disciple, Supper; Good Friday, April and each one of us, has be 6: Way of the Cross: 12.05 trayed our Lord. Only the p.m., 7 p.m. Commemora Christ candle will remain lit tion of the Lord's Suffering as they partake of commun and death; Holy Saturday, ion. Participants will leave April 7: Easter Vigil 7.30 the service in darkness, an p.m., Service of light, Eas ticipating the events of Good ter Proclamation, Renewal Friday. of Baptismal Promises, Vig An Easter ham and il M ass; Easter Sunday, pastry breakfast will be held April 8: Resurrection Mass on Sunday, April 8, begin 11 a.m. ning at 8:30 am. Ham, muf St. William's sched fins, fruit, juice and coffee ule: Good Friday: Way of the are on the menu. Breakfast Cross 5 p.m.; Easter Sunday: will be served anytime be R esurrection M ass: 8.45 tween 8:30 and 9:30 am. The a.m. breakfast is free and dona tions will be accepted. All Saints' The Easter worship Episcopal/Hope service will be held on Sun day, April 8, at 10 a.m. Note Lutheran the time change. Worship Churches will be at 10 a.m. to allow All Saints’ Episcopal people to come to breakfast, and Hope Lutheran Church stay for worship, and still be es invite everyone to attend home around 11 a.m. Any services during Holy Week. one wishing to donate an A service of Recon Easter Lily should deliver ciliation and Eucharist will them to the church by 9 a.m. be held Wednesday, April 4, Saturday, April 7. A sign up at 7 p.m. at All S a in ts’. sheet to indicate “in memo Maundy Thursday and Eu Pioneer Memorial Hospice ry/honor o f ’ will be provid charist will be held Thursday, ed. That information will be April 5, at 7 p.m. at Hope. Thank you, Jesus printed in the Easter worship Good Friday Solemn Prayer bulletin. Those participating Service will be held Friday, Thank you, Jesus Christ, that through your death, are rem inded to take the A pril 6, at noon at All burial and resurrection, we all have been given the Easter Lily home on Sunday. Saints’. Tenebrae, a service opportunity to choose eternal life. Those who follow you, of prayer, scripture and dark Jesus, here on earth will also be able to follow you in ness, will be held Friday, Sonrise Service resurrection and be with you forever. The Easter ‘Sonrise’ April 6, at 7 p.m. at All Rev. Patti Smith, Hospice Chaplain service will be held this Saints’. On Easter day at 9 Sunday, April 8, at 7 a.m. at a.m. an Easter breakfast will the M orrow C ounty be held by the youth group, All Saints Episcopal and Hope at Hope Lutheran. The cost Fairgrounds in Heppner. Lutheran Churches Speaker will be the is $5 per person. The Easter Rev. Keith Brudevold of the day Celebration of the Res Alleluia, Christ is risen! He is risen Heppner United Methodist urrection will be held at 11 a.m. at Hope. indeed. Alleluia! Church. T he serv ice is sp o n so red by the South United Methodist On Easter Sunday, Christians around the world will Morrow County Ministerial Church unite in this ancient acclamation of faith— faith in a Lord and Savior who has redeemed the world, not just through Association. The Easter service at his death but also through his life and resurrection. Death the H eppner U nited is swallowed up in victory, and all of creation rejoices in Methodist Church will be new life. held at the regular tim e, So, what does a day over 2000 years ago have to 10:30 a.m., on Sunday, April do with us in Heppner? Everything! For because of this 8 . day we are assured of forgiveness of sin, of the power to begin life anew after our worst screw ups, and of life everlasting as we believe in this Risen Lord. The resurrection of Jesus affects our daily life, not just our eternal destiny. For because of the resurrection, Now a member o f we no longer have to be captive to our fears or our doubts; Regional M ultiple Listing Service we are able to rise above our problems to see them through the eyes of the resurrection. Those are the eyes of hope and of faith. To better serve our real estate clients David I said to someone recently that for some of us, faith Sykes Real Estate has joined RMLS™, the is a gift— for some seem able to have an immediate response of faith to trials and tragedies. For some of us, faith takes largest REALTOR downed Multiple List work— it takes the discipline to remember what Christ has ing Service in the Northwest. done for us, to claim the power of the resurrection, and to taste and see that God is good. Whether you experience faith as a gift or that which takes a bit of work, faith still Your property listed with us now receives comes from God. Only a God who has risen from the dead exposure to member agents in 43 Oregon can break the powers of death and give to us faith. and Washington counties, with a network Christians are an Easter people...basking, if you will, in the Light of the resurrection; awaiting Christ’s of over 13,000 subscribers in Oregon and return; and assured of a radical and life-changing Love. Washington. For the night before He died, Christ told His disciples, “A new commandment I give to you, that you love one another as I have loved you.” Currently, the RMLS™ system contains Easter people live in Love. As we look anew at this approximately 24,000 on-market listings Easter season, may we remember that it is not just about us— it is about reaching out in love to those who need it (of which over 18,000 fall in the residental most. Live in Love. property category), and over 750,000 total Alleluia, Christ is risen! He is risen indeed. Alleluia! The Rev. Janis Johnson listings. Contact David Sykes to discuss listing your property or learning more about RMLS™ and other marketing ideas we have for your property. E-mail: daviddsykesrealestate.net Website: SykesRealEstate.net 188 W. Willow P.0. Box 337 Heppner, OR 97836 (541) 676-9228 1-800-326-2152 Cell (541) 980-6674 Fax (541) 676-9211
